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LEUCOSPERMUM guenzii
Kloof Fountain Pincushion
Stock: Available
Family: Proteaceae
Characteristics: Small shrub to 2.5 metre with a 1.5 metre spread
Seeds per packet: 5
One of the most rewarding and charming pincushions to plant. An erect, rounded shrub up to 2.5 m tall and about 1.5 m in diameter, with a single main stem. The inflorescences are about 4 cm across, in clusters of up to five individual flower heads at the end of the branches. They open over an extended period of time with the result that one plant provides a colourful spectacle for about four months. The flower heads open as a pale yellow, which soon turns orange and becomes a red with age. Native to South Africa.
Prefers light to medium well-drained soil in a protected sunny position, drought tolerant frost tender.
The best time to sow is usually autumn or spring when the temperature range is between 16-22°C and there is difference of day and night temperatures of around 12°C.
If your summer is hot and dry and your winter is moderate and wet the best time to sow is autumn.
In colder climates with less harsh summers it is usually better to sow in spring.
- The growing medium should be well draining but should remain damp between watering.
- Sow the seed the depth on the seed size. Vermiculite is a good medium to use to cover the surface as it helps retain moisture and controls the temperature.
- Keep moist but not too wet as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out.
- Germination should occur in 21-60 days depending on the temperature and conditions.
Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended:
Members of the Proteaceae are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination will often occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in many species of the Proteaceae family
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments available by clicking here.
